Service robots are designed to interact with people and assist in various non-industrial tasks. Unlike industrial robots confined to factory floors, service robots operate in homes, offices, hospitals, hotels, and other human-centered environments. Their goal? To make life easier, safer, and more efficient.
A service robot is an autonomous or semi-autonomous machine that performs useful tasks for humans, excluding manufacturing operations. They can be mobile or stationary and are often equipped with sensors, cameras, and AI software to adapt to dynamic environments.
User-friendly interface and interaction
Operates in everyday environments (homes, hospitals, hotels)
Often equipped with wheels or limited mobility
Can perform specific personal or professional tasks
The Roomba is perhaps the most recognized service robot in homes today. This autonomous vacuum cleaner navigates floors, avoids obstacles, and returns to its dock to recharge—all with minimal user input.
Pepper is a humanoid robot used in customer service and retail. It can recognize faces, understand basic emotions, and carry on conversations. It’s been deployed in banks, airports, and stores to assist and entertain customers.
TUG is a hospital logistics robot that autonomously delivers medicine, supplies, or meals within healthcare facilities. It follows routes, avoids people and obstacles, and can even call elevators.
Household tasks: cleaning, lawn mowing, window washing
Customer service: greeting, answering questions, guiding visitors
Hospital care: delivering medicine, disinfecting rooms, companionship
Hospitality: delivering room service in hotels, handling luggage
Retail: inventory scanning, product location assistance
Free up human workers for more complex tasks
Operate in environments where precision or consistency matters
Improve quality of life, especially for the elderly or disabled
Provide round-the-clock support in critical environments
As AI and robotics converge, service robots are becoming more intelligent, empathetic, and responsive. Future service robots may act as personal assistants, health monitors, security aides, or even emotional companions. Their role in society will likely expand dramatically as technology becomes more integrated into daily routines.